The Oregon Faith Report - Faith News from Oregon

Oregon stories: Dance disaster becomes unexpected blessing

July 1, 2012

Jackie Christian
Beaverton, Oregon

To a ballerina, there is only one thing worse than falling, and this is to stop altogether. It is drilled into us, “If anything goes wrong. get up and keep going.” Fortunately, this had never been an issue for me. Not, however, until I went to the Philippines on a Christian Mission trip. With no time for choreography, our leader asked if I would dance before the audience to Christian music. I quickly agreed. I prayed, giving the dance to God, asking Him to take over for me.

Worshiping God, whether dancing or praying, I close my eyes. As I twirled around, I almost danced off the stage. But I got “that feeling” to open my eyes, and I turned back and kept dancing. Then the unthinkable happened! One second I was dancing in worship, the next second I was on the stage floor thinking, “What happened?! This has never happened!” Without another thought, I gracefully rose to my feet and continued dancing for the Lord I love.

Taking my seat, I asked the Lord, “Why did this happen!?” Then I felt God answering, “Do you really want Me to take over your life? Even if I allow you to be embarrassed?” My mind’s voice cried out, “Yes Lord!” But my questions still weren’t answered.

To end, each speaker summarized her presentations. I gave my summary, then grinning, I said what God told me to say, “When you fall down in life, get back up and keep dancing!” Laughter and clapping broke out.

We came home satisfied that many had been blessed, but I still wondered why I fell. Later the head pastor reported to us that in the Philippines, there is a serious problem for people afraid of “losing face.” It prevents them from truly living life. He said the people were blessed by seeing me fall and keep going, without losing face, and then hearing me tell them to do the same.

Hearing this I asked, “Lord, is this what it was all about? Did You use me as Your instrument to reach these beautiful people?”